“If we can make our audience walk away proud of their identity, and aware of their community, we’ve done our job,” said singer Leah Gallegos. “The band members are in our 30s now, but many of us struggled with our own identities — as Americans, and as Mexican-Americans or Chicanos — growing up.”

Las Cafeteras, a seven-piece band from Los Angeles, play Cafe Nine Thursday at 8:30 p.m. It’s a large group with different personalities, said Gallegos, so the band’s dynamic isn’t always smooth, particularly in the songwriting phase.

“Collaborating with each other is a business model we’re still perfecting, but we’re a family now,” said Gallegos. “Our band came together originally to protest a corporate development in California that was going to destroy farmland many people depended on for food.”

Social causes unite Las Cafeteras: Gallegos references one of their new songs, “Presidente,” where every member has a verse describing their vision for the ideal president. It was written, said Gallegos, to plant a seed in the audience’s thoughts.

“The song is reminding the audience they have the torch to enact change, to think about who they want leading us,” said Gallegos.

Though Las Cafeteras performs a “fun show,” according to Gallegos, the group’s social consciousness for concepts like feminism and crusading against police brutality are intrinsic to the band’s sound.

“We erase lines between community, art and work,” said Gallegos.

While folk groups aren’t usually known for music videos, Las Cafeteras embrace the technology, and have created several for songs such as “Luna Lovers.” Describing the track as a love song with no borders, Gallegos said the band took turns singing what love meant to them.

“Love can be with yourself, your family or even your community,” said Gallegos. “It’s a broad, open concept.”

Community, said Gallegos, also informs her musicality. Part Native American, Gallegos fondly remembers her first encounter with Son Jarocho, traditional Mexican folk and dance, in a Los Angeles community space. The experience, she said, enriched her expression as a singer.

“I was taught that, as a Native American, the voice is an offering of medicine,” said Gallegos. “Son Jarocho is like a community soapbox where you can feel a heartbeat in these screaming melodies.”

Las Cafeteras’ third album will be released later in the year, said Gallegos.

Doors open Thursday at 8, with the show beginning at 8:30. Jose Oyola and Maricamerica open. Cafe Nine is located at 250 State St.